Summary

Release Year: 1995
Genres: Arcade, Platform
Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, Super Famicom, Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Developers: Disney Interactive, Disney Interactive, Inc.
Publishers: Capcom Co., LTD., Disney Interactive, Nintendo, Playtronic, Tec Toy

Maui Mallard in Cold Shadow: A Quacky Platforming Adventure

Released in 1995 for the Nintendo 64, Maui Mallard in Cold Shadow is a 3D platformer that follows the adventures of Maui Mallard, a duck who must rescue his island paradise from the evil sorcerer, Dragaunus.

Gameplay

Maui Mallard in Cold Shadow is a fast-paced platformer that requires players to use a variety of moves to navigate the game’s many levels. Maui can run, jump, swim, climb, and glide, and he can also use a variety of weapons to defeat enemies, including a water gun, a boomerang, and a freeze gun.

The game features 40 levels set in a variety of locations, including a volcano, a jungle, a pirate ship, and a haunted mansion. Each level is filled with enemies, traps, and puzzles, and players must use their skills and wits to overcome them.

Story

The story of Maui Mallard in Cold Shadow begins on the tropical island of Quackalupe. Maui is enjoying a peaceful day at the beach when he is suddenly attacked by Dragaunus, an evil sorcerer who is seeking to steal the Shabuhm Shabuhm idol, a powerful artifact that can control the weather.

Maui is defeated by Dragaunus and the idol is stolen. However, Maui is saved by a mysterious ninja who trains him in the art of ninjutsu. With his new skills, Maui sets out on a quest to defeat Dragaunus and recover the idol.

Characters

Maui Mallard: A duck who is the hero of the game. Maui is a skilled fighter and acrobat, and he is also a master of ninjutsu.
Dragaunus: An evil sorcerer who is the main antagonist of the game. Dragaunus is seeking to steal the Shabuhm Shabuhm idol so that he can control the weather and conquer the world.
Jade: A female ninja who trains Maui in the art of ninjutsu. Jade is a skilled fighter and acrobat, and she is also a powerful sorceress.
Scuba Duck: A scuba diver who helps Maui on his quest. Scuba Duck is a skilled swimmer and diver, and he is also a good friend to Maui.
Tiki: A tiki god who helps Maui on his quest. Tiki is a powerful warrior, and he is also a wise advisor to Maui.

Development

Maui Mallard in Cold Shadow was developed by Eurocom and published by Disney Interactive. The game was originally released for the Nintendo 64 in 1995, and it was later ported to the PC in 1996.

The game was developed using the same engine as Donkey Kong Country, and it features similar gameplay and graphics. However, Maui Mallard in Cold Shadow is a more challenging game than Donkey Kong Country, and it features a more complex story and more varied level design.

Reception

Maui Mallard in Cold Shadow received positive reviews from critics upon its release. The game was praised for its fast-paced gameplay, challenging difficulty, and charming characters. However, the game was also criticized for its repetitive level design and lack of innovation.

Despite the mixed reviews, Maui Mallard in Cold Shadow is still considered a classic platformer by many fans of the genre. The game is a fun and challenging adventure that is sure to please fans of 3D platformers.

Legacy

Maui Mallard in Cold Shadow is one of the most underrated platformers on the Nintendo 64. The game features fast-paced gameplay, challenging difficulty, and charming characters. Despite its lack of innovation, Maui Mallard in Cold Shadow is still a fun and rewarding experience for fans of the genre.

The game has been re-released on the Wii Virtual Console and the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service. It is also available for purchase on Steam and GOG.com.